US20140326656A1 - Diatomaceous earth filter cleaning tool with fluid oscillation nozzle and diatomaceous earth capturing system - Google Patents
Diatomaceous earth filter cleaning tool with fluid oscillation nozzle and diatomaceous earth capturing system Download PDFInfo
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- US20140326656A1 US20140326656A1 US14/216,694 US201414216694A US2014326656A1 US 20140326656 A1 US20140326656 A1 US 20140326656A1 US 201414216694 A US201414216694 A US 201414216694A US 2014326656 A1 US2014326656 A1 US 2014326656A1
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Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
- E04H4/12—Devices or arrangements for circulating water, i.e. devices for removal of polluted water, cleaning baths or for water treatment
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D29/00—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
- B01D29/62—Regenerating the filter material in the filter
- B01D29/66—Regenerating the filter material in the filter by flushing, e.g. counter-current air-bumps
- B01D29/68—Regenerating the filter material in the filter by flushing, e.g. counter-current air-bumps with backwash arms, shoes or nozzles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D29/00—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
- B01D29/11—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor with bag, cage, hose, tube, sleeve or like filtering elements
- B01D29/13—Supported filter elements
- B01D29/23—Supported filter elements arranged for outward flow filtration
- B01D29/27—Filter bags
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D29/00—Filters with filtering elements stationary during filtration, e.g. pressure or suction filters, not covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D27/00; Filtering elements therefor
- B01D29/62—Regenerating the filter material in the filter
- B01D29/64—Regenerating the filter material in the filter by scrapers, brushes, nozzles, or the like, acting on the cake side of the filtering element
- B01D29/6438—Regenerating the filter material in the filter by scrapers, brushes, nozzles, or the like, acting on the cake side of the filtering element nozzles
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
Abstract
Embodiments provide a pool filter cleaning system that comprises an elongate tube having a first end, a second end and length in a longitudinal direction; a hose connector configured to connect to a supply of water under pressure, the hose connector is attached to the first end of the elongate tube. A spray nozzle is located at the second end of the elongate tube such that an outer surface of the spray nozzle and the elongate tube establish a substantially smooth continuous outer surface. The spray nozzle of an exemplary pool filter cleaning system comprises at least one water oscillation chamber configured to oscillate or pulsate fluid flow through the spray nozzle such that fluid output from a plurality of spray nozzle fluid outputs is oscillated or pulsated at a sonic frequency and in directions that have both a radial component and a longitudinal component away the second end.
Description
- This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/793,973, filed Mar. 15, 2013, entitled DIATOMACEOUS EARTH FILTER CLEANING TOOL WITH FLUID OSCILLATION NOZZLE AND DIATOMACEOUS EARTH CAPTURING SYSTEM (Atty. Dkt. No. AMNZ-31575), which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- Embodiments of the invention relate to a pool filter cleaning device, system and method. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to a cleaning apparatus for pool filters and a pool filter drain discharge apparatus for containing post filter DE debris discharged from a pool filter drain outlet during use of an exemplary cleaning method.
- Diatomaceous earth (“DE”) filters are often used to filter swimming pool water, spas, water fountains and other water related circulation systems. DE filters typically include a septum or woven porous material with a relatively large porosity that DE cannot pass through. Adding a solution of water and DE to the filter forms a cake of DE on the surface of the septum. The addition of the DE to the septum creates a structure having a smaller porosity, which improves the filtering capability of the septum. However, over time contaminants caught in the DE reduce the DE-septum filtering capability by clogging the established smaller porosity. As a result, the DE must be periodically removed from the septum material and reapplied. Various methods, techniques and apparatus have been used to remove DE from the outer septum surfaces of DE filter tubes, DE filter cartridges and DE filter element grids. One important concern, when using any technique or apparatus to clean DE and other debris from the septum of a pool filter, is not to damage, tear or cause excessive wear to the septum material during the cleaning process. If the septum is damaged or weakened during the cleaning process, DE may be pumped through the damaged portion of the septum (rather than being caked on the outer surface of the septum) and into the pool.
-
FIGS. 1A , 1B and 1C depict examples of an existing DE pool filter, being a vertical grid DE filter system that utilizes DEfilter element grids 12. In each of this typical DE pool filter, a DE solution is caked on the outer surface or septum of the filter element grids. Furthermore, in each of these typical DE pool filters it is important not to damage, rip or weaken the septum material covering theDE grids 12 when cleaning the DE and debris from the surface of the septum material. - Referring to
FIG. 1C , an exploded view of a typical verticalgrid DE filter 10 is depicted. When avertical DE filter 10 is manually cleaned, it is done to not only remove the cake of DE and contaminants, but also to deep clean the porous septum material that is part of and about the exterior of each of thefilter element grids 12. A normal manual cleaning procedure generally proceeds as follows: - 1. Shut off the pool pump (not specifically shown).
- 2. Open an air-
relief valve 14 and remove thedrain plug 16 or open the waste valve (not specifically shown). At this point the water held within the filter head ortank lid 18 andlower filter body 20 will drain out of the inner cavity created within thefilter head 18 andlower filter body 20. - 3. Remove the
tank clamp assembly 28 by, for example, undoing the nuts or bolts (30, 32) depending on the vertical DE filter model. After thetank clamp assembly 28 is removed, then thetank lid 18 can be removed. - 4. The spreader or
manifold 22 may then be removed by, for example, removing thenut 24 and washer 26. Then eachfilter grid element 12 is lifted out of the filter body separately. Each filter element or cartridge element (depending on the type of DE filter in use) may then be removed from thefilter body 20 and individually separated from thefilter grid assembly 29 in preparation for cleaning. - 5. Each separate
filter grid element 12 can then be sprayed individually with a garden hose to wash off and remove the contaminated diatomaceous earth (DE) from each separated filter grid septum surface. The hose may then be used to hose out the interior of the filter tank's filter body interior so that any remaining contaminated DE within thefilter body 20 is flushed out of thebottom drain hole 17. The contaminated DE may be washed onto the ground surrounding or about the vertical DE filter leaving an unsightly coating of contaminated DE on the ground surfaces about the DE vertical filter. - 6. The rinsed filter grids are then individually and carefully aligned and replaced back into the
manifold 22 such that they are each firmly seated in place. At the same time, thefilter grids 12 must be carefully aligned in thefilter element locator 23 while the washer 26 andnut 24 are replaced on the top of theretainer rod 25 so that the whole of the filter grid/manifold/filter element locator assembly (the “filter grid assembly”) 29 is held together. This process is often both frustrating and results in the individual filter grid septum surfaces to rub against each other, the filter element locator and retainer rod thereby causing wear and tear damage tears to the individual filter grids and potential tears to their septum coverings and surfaces. - 7. The
filter grid assembly 29 is then placed and aligned inside thefilter body 20 such that themanifold 22 is properly connected to theoutput elbow tube 36. - 8. Next the filter tank O-
ring 38 may be lubricated with a petroleum jelly or silicon based lubricant and placed about the top of thefilter body 20. The tank lid orfilter head 18 is then replaced back on top of thefilter body 20 and thetank clamp assembly 28 is replaced about the seam between thefilter head 18 and thefilter body 20. Thetank clamp bolt 32 is tightened to create a watertight seal between thefilter head 18 and thelower filter body 20. - 9. Finally, the
drain plug 16 is reinstalled into thedrain hole 17. - 10. Now, filter type and make specific procedures are followed to refill the vertical DE filter with water and recoat the filter grids' septum with a fresh new coating of DE solution.
- The above process of cleaning the contaminated DE from the outer septum surfaces of the multiple grid filters, one at a time, can take from about an hour by an experienced pool filter technician to about four to six or more frustrating hours by a person who cleans a vertical DE filter about 2-3 times a year. The process of removing the
individual filter grids 12, positioning each individual filter grid in a place where they can be individually cleaned by a water hose, and then reinstalling and aligning each filter grid back into thefilter grid assembly 29 creates significant opportunities for wear and tear on the septum about eachfilter grid 12 exterior. Replacing a filter grid that has a hole or tear in its septum can be an expensive, messy experience due to DE being able to free-flow into the pool. - What is needed is a tool or tool system that can be used to clean the septum surfaces of the filter grids of a vertical DE filter that is effective, less time consuming, minimizes the possibility of tearing the septum about the filter grids, and helps to minimize the amount of unsightly contaminated DE that is flushed out of the drain hole and is left to coat the ground surfaces about the vertical DE filter during and after the cleaning process.
- Embodiments of the invention provide a tool and tool system that is used in a process and method for cleaning the septum surfaces of the filter grids of a vertical DE filter without having to remove the filter grid assembly from the filter body of a vertical DE filter. Use of an exemplary tool and/or tool system effectively cleans the septum surfaces of all the filter grids in the filter grid assembly in less than 30 minutes, with little possibility of wearing or tearing the septum about the filter grids all the while catching a majority of and minimizing the amount of unsightly contaminated DE that is flushed out of the drain hole of the vertical DE filter and left to coat ground surfaces about the DE filter during and after the cleaning process.
- In one embodiment a pool DE filter cleaning system is provided that comprises cleaning tool. The cleaning tool comprises an elongate tube having an outer surface, a first end, a second end and a length in a longitudinal direction. Attached to the first end of the elongate tube is a hose connector configured for connection to a supply of water under pressure. A spray nozzle is attached to the second end of the elongate tube. The spray nozzle is configured to produce an angular-radial multidirectional spray pattern. The spray nozzle comprises an open end configured to interface with the second end of the elongate tube. There is also an abutting flange about the circumference of the spray nozzle, wherein the abutting flange is configured to abut the second end of the elongate tube such that the outer diameter of the abutting flange coincides with the outer diameter of the elongate tube and a substantially smooth outer surface transition is established between the outer surface of the elongate tube and the outer diameter of the abutting flange. The spray nozzle further comprises a closed end extending longitudinally away from the second end and the abutting flange, the closed end comprises a plurality of fluid exit ports that extend through the closed end, the plurality of fluid exit ports are configured to direct water under pressure in directions that have both a radial component and a longitudinal component away from the second end, the exterior surface of the of the closed end is substantially smooth, but may be rounded, flat, or in an elongated dome shape.
- Embodiments of the pool DE filter cleaning system have the cleaning tool configured to have the second end inserted and moved between and against filter elements of a DE filter without asserting substantial abrasive force or physical pressure on the outer surfaces of the DE filter elements.
- Embodiments of the pool DE filter cleaning system are configured to have the outer diameter of the elongate tube be substantially constant along the longitudinal length, such that the outer diameter is between about ¾ of an inch+/−about ¼ of an inch.
- In additional embodiments the outer surface of the elongate tube is substantially smooth and constructed of a rigid or semi rigid material. The elongate tube may have a longitudinal length of between about 25 and 50 inches. The elongate tube further comprises an outer diameter configured to slide loosely to snuggly between adjacent DE filter elements while installed within a DE pool filter.
- In additional embodiments, the hose connector of the cleaning tool comprises a valve adapted to variably allow water under pressure to move from the first end toward the spray nozzle fluid exit ports and exit the spray nozzle in an oscillating spray pattern comprising both radial and longitudinal components away from the second end.
- Embodiments of the pool DE filter cleaning system may be configured such that the closed end of the spray nozzle comprises a rounded outer end surface.
- Embodiments of the pool DE filter cleaning system can have the plurality of fluid exit ports on the spray nozzle comprise at least one peripheral lumen angled outward from an axis of the elongate tube at angles between about 0 and 80 degrees.
- In additional embodiments of the pool DE filter cleaning system there is included a discharge tube having a connection end and a discharge end, the connection end being configured to establish a watertight interface with a DE pool filter drain port. Along with the discharge tube, the DE filter cleaning system can also include a filter bag comprising an enclosure formed of water permeable material having an inlet opening adapted to be removably attached to the discharge end of the discharge tube, the enclosure adapted to receive and filter DE and debris contained in a discharge fluid exiting the discharge end when the cleaning tool is emitting water from the spray nozzle while the second end is inserted between filter elements of a DE pool filter.
- In some embodiments the water permeable material is a mesh-type material. In additional embodiments, the water permeable material comprises flexible material.
- Some embodiments have a removable clamp adapted to removably attach the inlet opening about the discharge end of the discharge tube. In other embodiments a tie, drawstring, or hook and loop strap is wrapped about the inlet opening such that the inlet opening is removably fitted to the discharge end.
- In yet another embodiment, a DE pool filter drain discharge system is provided that comprises a discharge tube having a connection end and a discharge end, the connection end being adapted to establish a fluid flow interface with a DE pool filter drain port. There may also be included therewith a filter bag comprising an enclosure formed of flexible water permeable material having an inlet opening adapted to be removably attached to the discharge end such that DE and debris contained in a discharge fluid exiting the discharge end are contained in the filter bag when DE filter elements within the DE pool filter are being cleaned.
- A DE pool filter drain discharge system can also comprise a discharge tube having a raised portion about the outer circumference of the discharge tube near the discharge end such that the raised portion is adapted to aid with restraining the inlet opening of the filter bag from slipping off the discharge end when the inlet opening is removably attached to the discharge end of the discharge tube. In addition, embodiments can include a means for removably attaching the inlet opening of the filter bag to the discharge end.
- In various embodiments of the invention the spray nozzle further comprises a water oscillation chamber between the open end and the closed end. The water oscillation chamber is configured to produce an oscillating water flow having a sonic oscillation frequency.
- In yet another embodiment of the inventions, a DE filter cleaning system is provided that comprises an elongate tube having a first end, a second end and length in a longitudinal direction; a hose connector configured to connect to a supply of water under pressure, the hose connector being attached to the first end of the elongate tube; a spray nozzle at the second end of the elongate tube such that an outer surface of the spray nozzle and the elongate tube establish a substantially smooth continuous outer surface. The spray nozzle of an exemplary DE filter cleaning system comprises at least one water oscillation chamber configured to oscillate fluid flow through the spray nozzle such that fluid output from a spray nozzle fluid output is oscillated at a continuous sonic frequency and in a direction that has both a radial component and a longitudinal component away from an axis of the second end.
- For a more complete understanding, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1A illustrates a cartridge DE filter; -
FIG. 1B illustrates a vertical grid DE filter; -
FIG. 1C illustrates an exploded diagram of a DE vertical grid filter; -
FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of a DE grid filter cleaning tool; -
FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of the nozzle end of an exemplary DE filter cleaning tool; -
FIG. 2C is a front view of the nozzle end of an exemplary DE filter cleaning tool; -
FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary nozzle end cap; -
FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary dome ended nozzle end cap; -
FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary first side cutaway view of an exemplary water pulser or oscillator installed within an exemplary nozzle end cap; -
FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary second side cutaway view of an exemplary water pulser or oscillator installed within an exemplary nozzle end cap; -
FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment of an exemplary DE grid filter cleaning tool; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a DE filter discharge tube in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary discharge tube DE capture bag in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 8 illustrates exemplary discharge tube DE capture bag in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 9 depicts a method of using an exemplary DE grid filter cleaning tool and DE discharge trapping system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. -
FIGS. 10A-10D is a multiview drawing of a quad output fluid oscillation spray nozzle; -
FIGS. 11A-11E is a multiview drawing of an oscillator chamber side of a spray nozzle; -
FIGS. 12A-12C is a multiview drawing of a center piece of an spray nozzle; and -
FIGS. 13A and 13B provide a three-dimensional view and three-dimensional cutaway view of a DE transfer tube. - Additional figures on figure pages 1/23 through 23/23 provide additional embodiments.
- Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
- Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that embodiments are not limited in is application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawing. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including”, “comprising”, or “having” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted”, “connected”, “supported”, and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
- Embodiments of the invention provide a tool and cleaning kit that is configured to clean contaminated DE and other sediment from the septum surfaces of filter grids or cartridges installed within a variety of DE style pool water filtration systems such as cartridge DE pool filters and vertical grid DE pool filters. Embodiments of the invention aid the removal and cleaning the septum surfaces of DE filter grids without requiring that the filter grids, filter grid assembly, or filter cartridge assembly be removed and/or disassembled from within the bottom portion of a DE filter body.
- Referring to
FIG. 2A , a first embodiment of a DE poolfilter cleaning tool 200 is depicted. The DE poolfilter cleaning tool 200 has ahose connection end 202 comprising a threadedconnection 203 adapted to connect to, for example, a water hose adapted for carrying water or pool filter cleaning fluid. Thehose connection end 202 may include avalve device 204 that is ball style, slide style, spring loaded, screw style, stepped style or other type of valve configuration used to control fluid flow. Thevalve body 205 is used by a user to adjust the water flow or water pressure that can flow from thehose connection end 202 into thetubular extension 206. There are various well known ways of connecting a garden hose to a valve body that can be incorporated into embodiments of the invention that are not discussed herein. - A
tubular extension 206 is connected or removably attached to thevalve body 205. Thetubular extension 206 may be compression fitted, soldered, attached by means of a screw-on attachment, or by other fixed or removable attachment means proximate to thevalve body 204. Thetubular extension 206 has alongitudinal length 208 of between about 24 to about 60 inches with an outer diameter orcross-sectional width 210 of about ¾ of an inch+/−about ½ inch. Importantly, the outer diameter of the tubular extension is dimensioned to slide between two filter grid elements while installed as part of a filter grid assembly of a DE pool filter. The outer diameter orcross-sectional width 210 may be uniform for the full length of the tubular extension or it may vary or narrow slightly over longitudinal length. In some embodiments the tubular extension is somewhat flexible so that it can bow or flex over its length. The tubular extension may be made of an extruded metal, plastic or polymer, PVC or other reasonable facsimile or derivation thereof. Thetubular extension 206, in some embodiments, may comprise goose-neck or accordion-style or flexi-rigid portions to enable user created and changeable bends in the tubular extension length. The tubular extension is hollow over its longitudinal length so that water or other DE filter cleaning fluid or liquid can flow from afirst end 212 to asecond end 214. - At the
second end 214 of thetubular extension 206 is anend cap 216. Theend cap 216 may be screwed onto or pressure fit into thesecond end 214 to establish a water tight seal there between. The end cap may also be glued, soldered, heat welded, crimped or ultrasonic welded into position. The outer diameter or cross-sectional width of theend cap 216 fits within an inner diameter of thesecond end 214 of thetubular extension 206, except that anend cap flange 218 creates a near smooth or substantially smooth surface interface between the outer surface of thetubular extension 206 and the outer diameter of theflange surface 218 of theend cap 216. - The
front side 220 of theend cap 216 comprises a plurality ofhollow passages 222 extending from the front side of thefront surface 220 to the inside of theend cap 216. Thehollow passages 222, which may be organized in an array or pattern, allow water to travel from the interior of thetubular extension 206 to the exterior of the endcap front side 220. In this embodiment, thefront side 220 is a substantially smooth flat surface with edges that are rounded as they become the side orflange surface 218. - Referring to
FIG. 2B , analternate end cap 226 embodiment is depicted. Thealternate end cap 226 comprises a domed or rounded exterior surface.Hollow passages 228 extend from an inner surface to the exterior surface of the domed or roundedtop end cap 226.Hollow passages 228 are adapted to allow water to travel from the interior of thetubular extension 206 through theend cap 226 and out of the rounded exterior surface of therounded end cap 226.FIG. 2C depicts a front surface or top view of the domed orrounded end cap 226 showing an exemplary array ofhollow passages 228. In some embodiments, a centerhollow passage 230 is provided. The centralhollow passage 230 is surrounded by an array of peripheralhollow passages 232, which are adapted to spray water in somewhat or substantially radial directions about acentral axis 234 of theend cap - Referring now to
FIGS. 3A and 3B , side cutaway views of a variation of the flattop end cap 216 and roundedtop end cap 226 are shown. InFIG. 3A , the cutaway view of the flattop end cap 216, depicts exemplaryhollow water passages 222 as being angled outwardly from thecentral axis 300 of the flattop end cap 216. A central ormiddle water passage 302 extends substantially parallel with or coexists on thecentral axis 300. Thewater passages 222 positioned peripherally about thecentral axis 300 are angled outwardly from thecentral axis 300 atangles 304 ranging from about 10 to 75 degrees so as to produce a radially forward spread spray pattern when water is forced through thehollow water passages 222. Theangled water passages 222 originate on the insidefront surface 306 proximate to thecentral axis 300 and spread outwardly away from thecentral axis 300. - A
cylindrical portion 308 of theend cap 216 extends from the backside of the end portion 310 andflange 218 of theend cap 216. The cylindrical portion is substantially centered about thecentral axis 300 and comprises andinner wall 312 about a hollow portion to allow water to flow from the tubular extension 206 (FIGS. 2A and 2B ) toward thewater passages - The exterior of the
cylindrical portion 308 may comprise one or more circumferential bumps, barbs, or ridges. Furthermore, abarbed end 318 may be circumferentially positioned about the entrance of thecylindrical portion 308. The circumferentialbarbed end 318, in combination with thecircumferential ridge 316, aid the end cap (216, 226) in being compression fit into thesecond end 214 of thetubular extension 206. In some embodiments, an epoxy or silicone sealant may be applied to the outer surface of thecylindrical portion 308 to help hold theend cap 216 inside thesecond end 214 of thetubular extension 206, as well as help to create a near watertight seal between the outer surface of thecylindrical portion 308 and an inner surface of the tubular extension. - In some embodiments
partial barrier 317 having anannular opening 319 in the center is spaced about a distance from insidefront surface 306. Theannular opening 319 having a larger diameter than thecentral water passage 302 so as to produce a circular oscillation offluid flow 321, which ultimately produces a sonic pulsed fluid flow through the central (and/or angled) water passages. The distance D may be the same as the inner diameter of the end cap. - Referring to
FIG. 3B , a side cutaway view of thedomed end cap 226 is depicted. Exemplaryhollow water passages 320 are angled or vectored radially outwardly from thecentral axis 322 of the dome-top end cap 226. In some embodiments, a centralhollow water passage 324 extends from the interior of the domed end cap to the top or front surface of the domed end cap, along thecentral axis 322. On the interior side of the domed portion of the end cap, the interior wall may be a domedinterior wall 326. - In other embodiments, the
interior wall 327 may be depicted by the dottedline 328 and have a cone cutout 329 (or in some embodiments a concave form) such that thehollow water passages central axis 322, along the inner cone cutout portion 329 (or inner concave portion). This design helps unify the spray pressure on each hollow water passage. Thecylindrical portion 330 may be substantially similar to thecylindrical portion 308 as described withFIG. 3A . Additional embodiments may havepartial barrier 317 spaced a distance D from theinterior wall 327, wherein D is similar to the inner diameter of the D of theend cap 226. - In additional embodiments, the
end cap portions cylindrical portions second end 214 of thetubular extension 206. In using a screw-on type end cap, a polymer or a rubber washer may be used between the contact flange surfaces 332, 334, of the end caps 226, 216, respectively, to create a watertight seal against theend surface 336 of thesecond end 214. - Referring now to
FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, side cutaway views of a flat-top end cap 400 are shown rotated 90 degrees about thelongitudinal axis 402 with respect to each other. A means for modulating the water flow is positioned within theexemplary end cap 400. Theend cap 400 is shown to be installed within the second end of thetubular extension 206. In this embodiment, the modulating means comprises aspinner 404 having a width, w, and a length, l, that are each 2 to 10 percent shorter than the inner diameter, d, of thecylindrical portion 406 of theend cap 400. - The side view of the
spinner portion 404, seen inFIG. 4 a, shows that thespinner portion 404 has an S shape centered on anaxle end 408. There are two axle ends on either side of thespinner 404, as can be seen inFIG. 4 b. The axle ends 408 may be axial posts that snap-fit into an axle-receiving notch orspace 410 positioned on opposing sides of the inner wall of thecylindrical portion 406. As water flow, which is indicated by thearrows 412, moves toward theend cap 400 via the inside of thecylindrical portion 406 from thetubular extension 206, thespinner 404 spins about itsaxis 414, which coincides with the axle ends 408. The spinning action of the spinner modulates the pressure of thewater flow 412 just before the water flow reaches thehollow water passages 418. The spinning action of the spinner creates a pulsation or modulation of the water flow as it is being forced through thehollow water passages 418. The pulsating or oscillating water flow force has been shown to enhance removal of contaminated DE and other sediment from the septum surfaces of filter grids or cartridges installed within a variety of DE-style pool water filtration systems. Embodiments may modulate or pulse the water flow through the water passages at frequencies ranging from about 5 Hz to about 1000 Hz. The pulsed modulated or oscillating water flow is created proximate to the septum surfaces of the DE filter grids. In some embodiments the modulator means is of other configurations that may or may not have moving parts such as a fluid oscillator configured to pulse fluid flow in order to enhance removal of DE from a filter grid surface proximate to the end cap fluid output(s). Furthermore, the modulation means or device may be positioned substantially anywhere within the tubular extension or the hose connection end. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , a trigger-operated DE filterseptum cleaning device 500 is depicted. Here anozzle body 502, comprising ahead portion 506 and aneck portion 504, has agarden hose connection 508 positioned at an input end of theneck portion 504. Thegarden hose connection 508 allows a hose, such as a garden hose, to connect or be removably attached to thehose connection 508. Asqueeze handle 512 attaches to apivot 514 positioned on theneck portion 504. When the squeeze handle is squeezed toward theneck portion 504, thepullback portion 516 of the squeeze handle pulls theplunger body 518 back in the direction ofarrows 520. When theplunger body 518 is pulled back, thevalve plunger 522 is pulled back from theexit orifice 524, thereby allowing water flow and pressure from thehose 510 through the nozzle body into thetubular extension 530. - The
tubular extension 530 has aproximate end 532 and adistal end 534. Theproximate end 532 may be permanently attached or removably attached to the nozzle openedend 536 of thenozzle body 502. Theproximate end 532 of thetubular extension 530 may have a connection end that is pressure fit screwed onto or attached in another know way to the nozzle openedend 536. Theconnection end 540 may comprise external threading so as to screw into some internal threading on the inside of the nozzle openedend 536. In alternate embodiments, theconnection end 540 may be on the exterior of the nozzle openedend 536 such that theconnection end 540 has threading on its interior and the nozzle openedend 536 has threading on its exterior so as to attach thenozzle body 502 to thetubular extension 530. - It is understood that there are a plurality of designs for nozzle bodies that perform substantially the same function to provide substantially the same result as the
nozzle body 502 depicted herein. Thus, embodiments of the invention may comprise a variety of different types of nozzle bodies that can be permanently or removably connected to an exemplarytubular extension 530 at theconnection end 540 by a variety of connection means. Such connection means at theconnection end 540 of atubular extension 530 may include, but not be limited to, a compression fit, snap fit, screw-on fit, ultrasonic or heat welded, crimp, notched fit, or any type of adhesive connection. - The tubular extension may extend from the
proximate end 532 for about 16 to about 60 inches. Thetubular extension 530 comprises a hollowinner portion 542 for water flow to pass from theproximate end 532 to thedistal end 534. Thetubular extension 530 may be constructed of a rigid, semi-rigid, or somewhat flexible tubing having an outer diameter of between one-half inches to about one inch. The outer surface of the tubular extension is generally smooth but may be circular, octagonal, or have multiple-faceted sides. The outer diameter of the tubular extension is configured to fit between the vertical grids of a DE pool filter. - In some embodiments, a
ball valve 544 may be positioned within thetubular extension 530. Theball valve 544 may have a ball valve handle 546 that enables a user to turn or rotate the ball valve into an open or closed position, thereby controlling water flow through thetubular extension 530 from an off position to a controlled on position and then to an all-the-way-open on position. The ball valve/ball valve handle (544, 546) enables a user to set a maximum flow rate through the tubular extension toward thedistal end 534. - At the
distal end 534, anend cap 550 is shown to be attached to thedistal end 534 of the tubular extension. Theend cap 550 may be permanently or removably attachable to thedistal end 534. Theend cap 550 may be attached by a variety of means including, without limitation: pressure fit, glue, ultrasonic welding, heat welding, screw-in connection, crimp, clip or clamp-in connection, overlapping or under lapping connection, or other permanent or removable connection techniques known in the art. - It is important that the
outer surface 552 of the end cap is flush or smooth where it meets with the outer surface of thetubular extension 554 at the joining orouter interface position 556. Furthermore, the end cap should be no more than a quarter inch in cross-width or outer diameter larger than the cross-width or outer diameter of thetubular extension 530. Theend cap 550 may be constructed of a variety of metals or metal alloys as well as plastics, PVC, ceramic, epoxy or other polymer-type materials. Theend cap 550 shown has a domed or roundedouter surface 552 and one central or a plurality of hollow water passages extending from aninterior side 558 of theend cap 550 to and through theouter surface 552 of the end cap. Thehollow passages 560 generally extend from a central portion of theinterior side 558 of theend cap 550 radially or somewhat radially outward toward theouter surface 552 of theend cap 550. Dashedlines 562 indicate the sonic pulsed radial-forward direction of the water flow exiting thehollow passages 560. - In additional embodiments, an oscillator or
pulsator device 566 may be installed within theend cap 550. The depicted oscillator orpulsator device 566 rotates on anaxis 568 as water (not specifically shown) flows toward thedistal end 534 and out the hollow passage orpassages 560. The pulsator oroscillator device 566 actively pulses the water flow through the interior portion of theend cap 550, thereby oscillating, or pulsating the water as it exits thehollow passages 560. The oscillating and/or pulsating of water is shown via the dashedlines 562, representing sonic pulsating water exiting thehollow passages 560. Various water pulsating designs can be utilized to modulate the water streams exiting theend cap 550. In additional embodiments fluid oscillators having no moving parts can be used to produce pulsed, modulated or oscillated water at an output port of an end cap nozzle. Furthermore, single-stage, multi-stage, feed-back, non-feedback, and parallel fluid oscillators some of which are depicted inFIGS. 10 , 11 and 12 are also well suited for providing pulsing or oscillating water flow at the output port(s) of an exemplary nozzle device so as to improve the ability an exemplary device to clean grit, grim, slim and dirty DE from the filter grids of a DE filter when in very close proximity to the outer surface of a DE filter grid. - The smooth joining of the
outer surfaces 556 of the outer surface of theend cap 552 and outer surface of thetubular extension 554 is important in embodiments of the invention so that when the end cap and tubular extension is moved up and down and/or around between the filter grid elements within a DE filter, there is minimal abrasive, scratching, or tearing of the septum material covering the outside of each filter element. Furthermore, it has been found that the pulsing of water flow out of an exemplary end cap aids in the removal of contaminated or dirty DE material lodged on the septum of a filter grid panel or cartridge. Further, the radial or radially forward direction of thehollow passages 560 allow for an exemplary DE filter septum cleaning device to have its end cap positioned between filtration panels, yet spray at or toward the filter panels, as well as push the removed contaminated DE material from the septum of the filter panels in a similar direction or generally downward direction, as will be explained below. - Referring now to
FIGS. 6 , 7, and 8, an exemplary contaminated DE capture apparatus is depicted. An exemplary contaminated DE capture apparatus can be provided as part of a kit that includes a DE pool filter cleaning tool as both devices can be advantageously used together. A DEfilter drain extension 600 can be screwed into or attached to thedrain plug exit 16 near the bottom of a DE filter body via thescrew attachment 602, provided at a first end of the DEfilter drain extension 600. The DEfilter drain extension 600 may further comprise aball valve 604 attached to a ball valve handle 606 that may be opened and closed during a cleaning process of the DE filter grids within a DE filter by an exemplary DE filter cleaning tool. At a second end of the DE filter drain extension, which may be a hollow or cylindrical PVC pipe, plastic tube, or metal fitting, are exemplary means for attaching a bag or collection device adapted to collect contaminated DE that exits the drain hole of a DE grid or DE cartridge filter base. - In some embodiments, a
bag stop 610 that protrudes from the outer surface of the DE waterdrain extension tube 612 and may be circumferentially formed about the DE waterdrain extension tube 612. The DEbag stop flange 610 may protrude from ¼ to ¾ of an inch beyond and about the outer diameter of the DE waterdrain extension tube 612. Referring toFIG. 8 , an exemplary contaminatedDE collection bag 800 is depicted. Thecollection bag 800 may be comprised of a porous or mesh material configured to allow water flow therethrough, but further adapted to have a porosity small enough to inhibit a majority of any contaminated DE or debris from flowing therethrough. An exemplary collection bag may have an inner volume of from about two gallons to about 15 gallons of available volume. - Another embodiment of a DE filter drain extension or DE transfer tube is depicted in
FIGS. 13A and 13B . - The collection bag or
strainer bag 800 has have anopening 804 adapted for entry of contaminated DE. Theopening 804 may comprise an elastic collar or draw string about or proximate to the end of theopening 804. The elastic collar or opening is adapted to stretch about thebag stop 610. Upon stretching theelastic collar end 806 about the bag stop 810, acollar clip 812 may be placed over and substantially about and proximate to theelastic collar end 806 so as to inhibit theopening 804 from being pulled past the bag stop 810 and being disconnected from the DEfilter drain extension 600. Thecollar clip 812 may be made of a spring metal or flexible plastic material so as to be able to clip and/or clamp about the circumference of the DE waterdrain extension tube 812 at a location proximate to thebag stop 610. In some embodiments, a collar clip chain or string may be attached from a position on the DEfilter drain extension 600 and connect to thecollar clip 812 so as to help inhibit loss or displacement of thecollar clip 812. Other techniques of attaching theopening 804 to the second end of the DE filter drain extension can be used such as wrapping double sided hook and loop material about the opening or using a clip connection or tie to go about the bag opening. - Still referring to
FIG. 8 , thecollection bag 800 may comprise aflap insert 816 which may be sewn or attached in a straight or angular circumferential position about the interior of thecollection bag 800. Theflap insert 816 should further be located in the first quarter or third of thecollection bag 800 closest to theopening 804. Theflap insert 816 has an opening portion wherein it is not sewn about the inner periphery of thecollection bag 800. Theflap opening 818 allows water and contaminated DE to flow therethrough, but helps to inhibit a backflow of contaminated DE when anexemplary collection bag 800 is removed from the second end orbag stop portion 610 of the DEfilter drain extension 600. - Referring again to
FIG. 6 , embodiments of the invention may further comprise a bag attach locking means 620. The bag attach locking means 620 is adapted to enable acollar 702 of a secondexemplary collection bag 700 to be locked into place via alocking peg 704 and a twisting motion. Thecollar 702 may be rigid or semi-rigid such that the locking peg fits into the twist locking means 620 and locks therein at the lockinglocation 621. Although not specifically shown, two or more locking means 620 and lockingpegs 704 may be located about thelocking collar 702. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , the secondexemplary collection bag 700 may also be made of a porous plastic or woven mesh fabric having a porosity adapted to allow water to flow therethrough, yet inhibit a majority of DE or contaminated DE from flowing therethrough, as is known by one of ordinary skill in the art. Theporous mesh bag 704 may be foldable or collapsible. Furthermore, theporous mesh bag 704 will have anopening 706 attached to thecollar 702. Theopening 706 of the mesh bag may be attached to thecollar 702 via plastic crimp, heat weld, folded crimp, ultrasonic weld, glue or other adhesive, pull string, string tie or an exterior fitted ring holding theopening 706 in place against thecollar 702. - Within the second
exemplary collection bag 700 may be acone insert 710. The wide portion of the cone insert may be sewn or attached by other means about an inner circumference or inner walls of themesh bag 704. The cone insert should be attached proximate to or within a few inches of theopening 706 of theporous mesh bag 704. The cone insert may be made of the same porous mesh or plastic material as the exterior of theexemplary collection bag 700, or may be made of a nonporous or less porous material. - The
cone opening 712, being located at a narrow end of thecone insert 710, allows water and contaminated DE to flow into the interior of the secondexemplary bag 700 wherein the water may exit thecollection bag 700 via theporous mesh material 704 and the majority of the contaminated DE is contained within thecollection bag 700. Thecone insert 710 is adapted to help prevent some backflow of the water and/or contaminated DE during the cleaning process of a DE grid or DE cartridge filter, in accordance with the teachings of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. When eithercollection bag 700 orcollection bag 800 are full or when the cleaning process of a DE filter is completed, each bag may be removably detached from the locking means 620 or bag stop 610/collar clip 812 so as to allow disposal of the collected contaminated DE and/or disposal of the entire collection bag and its contents. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , theball valve 604 and valve handle 606 can be used to adjust a flow of contaminated DE or water from a DE filter that is being cleaned to an exemplary collection bag (700, 800). Theball valve 604 and valve handle 606 can be very useful in helping to minimize the amount of contaminated DE that is spread or that flows onto the ground about a DE filter that is being back flushed and cleaned in accordance with embodiments of the invention. - As will be better understood below, an exemplary cleaning tool and DE capture apparatus may be provided together as a DE filter cleaning kit.
- Referring now to
FIG. 9 , an exemplary system andmethod 900 for cleaning a vertical DE filter is shown and depicted via a partial exploded view. First, assuming that the vertical DE filter (902A, 902B) is in need of cleaning, a user may in some methods, in accordance with the invention, first back flush the DE filter (902A, 902B) in accordance with normal back flush procedures provided by the DE filter manufacturer. In yet other embodiments of the exemplary methods of the invention, an initial back flushing of a DE filter (902A, 902B) is not necessarily required. - After back flushing—or, in some circumstances, without back flushing—the
relief valve 904 may be opened so as to allow the water level within the DE filter vessel to become lower. Thedrain plug 906 may be removed from thedrain plug hole 910 by unscrewing it therefrom. At that time, an exemplary DEfilter drain extension 912 may be screwed into or connected with thedrain plug hole 910, depending on the configuration of the DE filter (902A, B). - An
exemplary collection bag 914 may be locked in place, clipped or attached onto the bag stop 916 of the DEfilter drain extension 912 via acollar clip 918 hook and loop material or a drawstring. In some embodiments, theball valve 920 on theDE drain extension 912 may be positioned in a closed position initially. It is understood that some water from within the DE filter (902A, B) may leak out of thedrain plug hole 910 while the DEfilter drain extension 912 is connected to thedrain plug hole 910 via thescrew connection 922 or other applicable removable connection means, such as clamps, clips, quarter-turn locking mechanisms, et cetera. - At this time the
filter tank lid 926 is removed. In order to remove thefilter tank lid 926, thetank clamp assembly 928 is disassembled by loosening thetank clamp nut 930. It should be understood that not every vertical DE filter comprises a tank clamp assembly of this type, but one of ordinary skill in the art using the instructions that come with a DE filter would be able to remove thefilter tank lid 926 of substantially any DE filter configuration. After thetank clamp assembly 928 is removed, thefilter tank lid 926 may be lifted straight off of thelower filter body 934, revealing anupper portion 936 of the verticalDE filter assembly 938 contained within a DE filter tank (902A, B). A sealing O-ring 940 may also be removed from about the circumference of the interface between thelower filter body 934 and the lower portion of thefilter tank lid 926. - Using embodiments of the present invention, there is no need to remove the spreader or
manifold 942 and disassemble the verticalDE filter assembly 938. Conversely, embodiments of the invention allow a user to leave the vertical DE filter assembly assembled and inside thelower filter body 934 during an exemplary DE filter cleaning process. - The
ball valve 920 on the DEfilter drain extension 912 may be moved to an open position at this time. Furthermore, an exemplary DE filter cleaner 950 may be removably attached to ahose 952, the hose being adapted to provide water or other cleaning fluid to be used to clean the DEfilter grid elements 954 contained within thevertical filter assembly 938. If so equipped on an exemplary DEfilter cleaning tool 950, the ball valve, or other reasonable facsimile or derivation thereof, may be turned to an ON position to allow fluid flow from thehose 952 through thetubular extension 960 and down toward theend cap 962. Further, if an exemplary DEfilter cleaning tool 950 is so equipped, thespray nozzle 964 may have itshandle 966 squeezed by the user so as to open the valve(s) within the spray nozzle and allow pressurized water or cleaning fluid to travel down thetubular extension 960 toward theend cap 962. - Upon reaching the end cap, the water is forced through one or an array of hollow passages in the end cap (not clearly shown in this figure) so as establish water jets or a cone of
spray 972 radially outward and somewhat downward or forward from theend cap 962 and the tubular extension. This is shown with the dashed lines extending from theend cap 962. In various embodiments, the cone or spray of water may comprise a sonic oscillation also depicted by the dashed lines exiting the end cap orspray nozzle 962. Furthermore, a single hollow passage in the end cap tip or center location of the array of hollow passages may spray a stream of water or cleaning fluid in a direction that is substantially longitudinal with the tubular extension. The water jets exiting the hollow passages on the tip of theend cap 960 may spray at an angle between 85 and 15degrees 970 from thelongitudinal axis 972 of thetubular extension 960. It should be understood that theend cap 962 interfaces substantially smoothly with the outer surface of thetubular extension 960 so as to minimize potential scratching or tearing of the filter grid septum surfaces during a DE filter cleaning process. - Within an exemplary DE
filter cleaning tool 950, a water modulator device modulates the water flow prior to the water exiting the end cap. - At this time the
tubular extension 960 andend cap 962 may be lowered into the verticalDE filter assembly 938 such that it is positioned in between two adjacent DE filter grid elements. With water flowing through the tubular extension and the downward-angled spray of theend cap 962, contaminated DE is easily removed and pushed toward the bottom interior of thelower filter body 934, where it can exit thedrain plug hole 910 through theDE filter extension 912 and into an exemplary DE collection orstrainer bag 914. In some embodiments thespray nozzle 962 produces sonic oscillating or pulsed water flow that aids in removing contaminated DE from the septum of the DE filter grids more thoroughly and efficiently. The sonic oscillating jets or water flow exiting outputs of the nozzle can be against, or proximate to the filter grid surface. - The
collection bag 914 allows the water to exit the mesh or porous outer bag material of the collection bag, forming awater puddle 976 about the collection bag. The contaminated DE is substantially retained within thecollection bag 914. Thus a vast majority of the contaminated DE which is being flushed or washed from the DEfilter grid elements 954 by the DE filter tool 915 is trapped in thecollection bag 914, thereby not creating an unsightly formation of contaminated DE about the DE filter (902A, B) that is being cleaned. - Moving the tubular extension up and down between the plurality of DE
filter grid elements 954 within the verticalDE filter assembly 938 enables the user to clean the DE filter grids as well as—and, with some embodiments, better than—disassembling thefilter assembly 938 and cleaning each individual DE filter grid element separately and individually prior to being reassembled. Furthermore, by not requiring a disassembly and reassembly of the DEfilter grid elements 954, embodiments and methods of the invention create less wear and tear on the individual DE filter grid elements and their septum coverings than if they were removed, handled multiple different ways, and then reassembled, and placed back into thelower filter body 934. - In some embodiments, a oscillation or pulsator device is positioned in or substantially near the
end cap 962 of theDE cleaning tool 950. In other embodiments the water flow modulator or pulsator is located further from the end cap. It has been found that pulsating the water flow at a sonic frequency while spraying the septum material on DE filter grid elements decreases the amount of time it takes to clean the DE grid filter elements within a vertical DE filter assembly while theDE filter assembly 938 remains within thelower filter body 934 of a DE filter than if the water flow was in a continuous non-oscillating stream. - Experimentation and testing has shown that a vertical grid DE filter can be cleaned using the method and embodiments of the invention within 10 to 30 minutes from start to finish by a non-professional, untrained pool filter cleaning person. This is a vast improvement over the 45-minute to more than about two to six hours required using previous methods and techniques wherein the entire vertical DE filter assembly is removed from the lower filter body, disassembled, and each vertical DE filter element is individually cleaned separately.
- Although not specifically shown, some embodiments further include a cleaning additive that is added to the water prior to or as the water travels through an exemplary
DE filtering tool 950. The additive may further enhance suntan lotion removal, oil removal, and other contaminant removal that may be present on the septum coverings of the DE filter grids being cleaned. In other methods, the cleaning additive can be sprayed onto the DE filter assembly prior to the step for inserting the exemplary tool between the filter elements. - In addition, other exemplary methods include using an exemplary DE
filter cleaning tool 950 to clean cartridge-style DE filters wherein the exemplary DE filter cleaning tool is moved up and down inside the interior cylindrical area of a cartridge DE filter grid, as well as outside the cylindrical area, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. - Although illustrated embodiments of the invention have been described, the foregoing description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Various modifications and combinations of the invention embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is therefore intended that the appended claims incorporate any such modifications or embodiments.
- It will further be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that this DE pool filter cleaning tool, collection bag system, and method of cleaning a DE filter provides a potential water-saving and faster technique for deep cleaning a vertical grid DE pool filter, while subjecting the septum surfaces of the DE filter grids to minimal wear and tear so that they may last longer and save the pool owner additional money.
-
FIGS. 10A-10D is a multiview drawing of a quad outputfluid oscillation nozzle 720. The top view depicts a rounded top ortip 722 of thenozzle 720. Thefirst side view 724 shows the exterior of the quad outputfluid oscillation nozzle 722 having twofluid output vents 726 angularly positioned near the top of the nozzle and near thetip 722. Thenozzle 720 has an outer diameter Do that is configured to fit between 2 DE filter grids while they are installed within a DE filter grid assembly. At the bottom of thenozzle 720 isinsertion portion 728 having a diameter Ds that is configured to slide or fit within the distal end of the tubular extension shown in previous Figures. Theinsertion portion 728 may be held firmly or attached within the distal end of the tubular extension via sonic welding, epoxy, crimping or by other methods already mentioned. Additionally, a pop rivet or blind rivet may be inserted in a through hole through the wall of the distal end of the tubular extension and aligned with thehole 730 on the side of theinsertion portion 728. A sweeper orwiper portion 732 extends radially outward about the circumference of the insertion portion. Thewiper portion 732 is configured to be crushed, bent or flexed toward the top of the nozzle when theinsertion portion 728 is inserted into the distal end of the tubular extension. Thewiper portion 732 help so center, secure a snuggle fit and aide in sealing the insertion portion against the inside of the distal end of the tubular extension. Thesecond side view 734 shows that thisnozzle embodiment 720 comprises three pieces that are fitted together. The three pieces being two substantially identical fluid oscillator chamber sides 736 and acenterpiece 738. As one can easily understand from the multiview ofFIG. 10 the three-piece nozzle configuration provides four fluid outputs or ventopenings 726. Each of the fourfluid outputs 726 are configured such that the oscillating fluid exiting there through will spray in an almost 360° near conical configuration about the nozzle tip. - A
bottom view 740 of thenozzle 720 is shown depicting the fluid or water input section. The input portion of the centerpiece is shown to be configured to divide an input fluid flow into twoinput flow paths -
FIGS. 11A-11E is a multiview of anoscillator chamber side 736 and depicts the interior of theoscillator chamber side 736. Here a dual fluid oscillator chamber is shown with the nozzle structure having a firstfluid oscillation barrier 744 that is configured to present aconcave arc 746 to the fluid flow shown byarrow 747. Thefirst oscillation barrier 744 creates eddy currents that oscillate back-and-forth in accordance with thearrow 750. The eddy current's back and forth oscillations are amplified due to being subjected to the secondfluid oscillation barrier 752, which presents aconcave arc 754 to the oncoming fluid flow andeddy currents 748. Theconcave arc 754 is larger (i.e., wider) than the firstconcave arc 746. In some embodiments the secondconcave arc 754 is from 1.1 to about 2.5 times wider than the firstconcave arc 746. The result of the oscillating 750 back and fortheddy currents 748 is the creation of an alternatingoscillating fluid output 755, which oscillates or pulses at a sonic frequency. The oscillating fluid output is configured to improve the removal of DE, contaminated DE, and other materials form the septum of a DE filter grid while thenozzle tip 720 is in close proximity to the outer surfaces and between two DE filter grids installed within a DEfilter grid assembly 938 as shown inFIG. 9 . It has been found that the sonic oscillation of the fluid flow improves the removal of debris from the DE filter grid surfaces better than a solid stream or non-oscillating fluid flow that is exiting from a nozzle in close proximity to a DE filter grid surface. Herein, Close proximity means either touching or within ¼inch of the DE filter grid surface. - Referring to
FIG. 11D , aside view 733 of the oscillator chamber side is shown. The side view is the same as theoscillator chamber side 736 shown in thesecond side view 734 ofFIG. 10D . Near the bottom or entrance of theoscillator chamber side 736 is a sweeper which is shown in more detail in the detailed view of thesweeper 732 below thesecond side view 733. As discussed above, thesweeper 732 is designed to flex or crushed against the interior of the tubular extension when the quad outputfluid oscillation nozzle 720 is inserted therein. -
FIGS. 12A-12C is a multiview of thecenterpiece 738, which is used to divide the two parallel fluid oscillation chambers and provide strength and stabilization to the overall nozzle structure. The top 722 provides a rounded surface such that entry between the DE filter grids is made easy. The top is also a solid material to provide strength and durability for when the tip strikes the ground or other hard surface. Thecenter wall 756 has mainly smooth surfaces and divides the two parallel oscillation chambers formed on either side of thecenter wall 756 within theoscillator chamber side 736. Thedeflection surface 758 deflects or directs the oscillating waterflow toward the outputs of each of the oscillators such that an oscillating flow of fluid is angled from about 10° to 85° from a central axis of the overallfluid nozzle 720. The deflection angle shown for thedeflection surface 758 is 45°. - A insertion
portion strengthening portion 760 is established at the bottom of thecenterpiece 738. The strengthening portion provides two thickenedside beams 762 at the bottom of and on either side of thecenterpiece 738. The thickenedside beams 762 provide anouter surface 763 for theinsertion portion 728 of the nozzle to be strengthened and aside surface 765 where the walls of the twoside portions 736 are attached by, for example sonic welding, to the side beams 762. - The resulting quad output fluid
oscillation novel nozzle 720 is a parallel two channel fluid oscillator nozzle wherein each channel comprises dual fluid oscillators in series and two output fluid vents. The output vents each produce alternating sonic oscillating fluid flow adapted to simultaneously pulse debris from the surfaces of two DE filter grids positioned next to each other within a vertical grid DE filter. Additionally, the outer surfaces of the embodiments of the nozzle and the tubular extension are contiguous and smooth when connected together in order to minimize abrasion or wear on the DE filter grid surfaces when the nozzle is being moved up and down and side to side between the filter grids installed in a filter grid assembly. -
FIGS. 13A and 13B show a three-dimensional view and three-dimensional cutaway view of another embodiment of a DE transfer tube or DEdrain extension tube 820. In this embodiment, theDE transfer tube 820 is threaded at both ends. At a first threadedend 822 of thetransfer tube 820, the tube is dimensioned and threaded to screw into a 1½ inch PVC threaded fitting. At asecond end 824 of theDE transfer tube 820, the tube is dimensioned and threaded to screw into a 2 inch PVC threaded fitting. The reason for the different size ends is so that theDE transfer tube 820 can be screwed into or fitted with a variety of standard size drain holes on various DE pool filter brands and models. Acentral tube portion 824 creates distance between the threaded ends 822, 824 or establishes the length of the DE transfer tube. Thecentral tube portion 824 may be anywhere from a half inch to about 5 inches long. Between thecentral tube portion 824 and each of the two threadedend portions bag stop feature 826. Thebag stop feature 826 comprises a portion that extends radially outward from the surface of thecentral tube portion 824. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the bag stop feature comprises a grip surface having ridges or bumps about its circumference to aid a user's grip when holding, installing or uninstalling theDE transfer tube 820 into or out of a drain hole of a DE pool filter. In this embodiment when one end of theDE transfer tube 820 is installed in a drain hole of a DE pool filter, the opening of the DE capture bag is slipped over the unused threads and thebag stop feature 826 at the other end of theDE transfer tube 820. The bag opening can then be clamped, tied or held via a hook and loop strip against the surface of thecentral tube portion 824. - It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. On the contrary, included are any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope hereof, as defined by the following claims. Thus it is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments.
Claims (16)
1. A DE filter grid cleaning tool comprising:
an elongate tube having a distal end;
a spray nozzle attached to the distal end; the spray nozzle and elongate tube configured to be inserted and moved between two adjacent DE filter grids while the DE filter grids are installed in a DE filter grid assembly; the spray nozzle comprising:
a first fluid oscillation portion configured to oscillate a fluid moving there through such that the fluid is output from the spray nozzle with a sonic oscillation flow; and
the spray nozzle connects to the elongate tube such that an outer surface of the elongate tube and an outer surface of the spray nozzle are smooth and contiguous.
2. The DE filter grid cleaning tool of claim 1 , further comprising a hand operated valve connected to a first end of the elongate tube, the hand operated valve configured to enable a user adjust a fluid flow rate through the spray nozzle.
3. The DE filter gird cleaning tool of claim 1 , wherein the spray nozzle is further configured to output the oscillating fluid in a partial cone spray formation.
4. The DE filter grid cleaning tool of claim 1 , wherein the first fluid oscillation portion comprises a first annular ring about the interior surface of the nozzle and having a central opening, a cylindrical portion and an output opening having a diameter that is smaller than the central opening, the cylindrical portion being between the annular ring and the output opening.
5. The DE filter grid cleaning tool of claim 4 , wherein the length of the cylindrical portion is between one and three times an inner diameter of the elongate tube.
6. The DE filter grid cleaning tool of claim 1 , wherein the spray nozzle further comprises a second fluid oscillation portion operating in parallel with the first fluid oscillation portion.
7. The DE filter grid cleaning tool of claim 1 , wherein the fluid is output from the spray nozzle with a sonic oscillation flow proximate to a surface of one of the DE filter grids.
8. The DE filter grid cleaning tool of claim 1 , wherein the fluid is output from the spray nozzle with a sonic oscillation flow proximate to a surface of each of the two adjacent DE filter grids.
9. A DE filter grid cleaning tool comprising:
an elongate tube having a distal end;
a spray nozzle attached to the distal end of the elongate tube, the spray nozzle comprising a fluid oscillator portion configured to oscillate a fluid moving there through at a sonic frequency when the fluid exits at least one fluid output port of the spray nozzle, the combination of the spray nozzle and elongate tube are configured to be inserted and moved between adjacent DE filter grids while the grids are installed in a DE Filter grid assembly, the combination of the elongate tube and the spray nozzle comprising a substantially smooth outer surface having no protrusion that may rub against the adjacent filter grids while the nozzle is inserted and moved between the adjacent filter grids.
10. The DE filter grid cleaning tool of claim 9 , wherein the fluid oscillator portion comprises a first concave fluid obstruction having a first width and a second fluid oscillation obstruction having a second width, wherein the first width is narrower than the second width, the first concave and second concave obstruction being positioned in series within the fluid oscillator portion.
11. The DE filter grid cleaning tool of claim 9 , wherein the fluid oscillator portion comprises:
a cylindrical portion;
a first annular ring positioned about an inner circumference of the cylindrical portion, the annular ring having a central opening; and
at least one output opening at a distal end of the spray nozzle, the output opening being centrally located at the distal end of the spray nozzle, the annular ring being spaced output opening by a distance that is from one to two times the diameter of the cylindrical portion; and the central opening of the annular ring being larger than the output opening.
12. The DE filter grid cleaning tool of claim 9 , further comprising a hand operated valve connected to a first end of the elongate tube, the hand operated valve configured to enable a user adjust a fluid flow rate through the spray nozzle.
13. The DE filter grid cleaning tool of claim 9 , wherein the fluid oscillator portion is configured to receive a flow of fluid and produce a plurality of sonic oscillating fluid flows at the output ports while the output ports are proximate to or in contact with a surface of one or both of the adjacent DE filter grids.
14. A DE filter DE capture system comprising:
a DE transfer tube configured to connect at a first end to a drain port of a DE filter, the DE transfer tube comprising a second end for allowing fluid comprising contaminated DE from inside the DE filter to exit, and a bag stop feature comprising a flange about the circumference of the DE transfer tube; and
a strainer bag comprised of a material configured to strain contaminated DE from the fluid, the strainer bag having an opening configured to fit over the second end and the bag stop feature; and
a holder for holding the opening against the DE transfer tube, the holder being placed about the outside of the strainer bag and adjacent to the opening and between the flange and the first end of the DE transfer tube.
15. The DE filter capture system wherein the first end comprises a threaded portion that is either 1½ inches in diameter or 2 inches in diameter, the threaded portion being for attaching the DE transfer tube to the drain port of the DE filter.
16. The DE filter capture system of claim 14 , wherein the flange further comprises graspable arcuate portions about the outer perimeter of the flange.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US14/216,694 US20140326656A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-03-17 | Diatomaceous earth filter cleaning tool with fluid oscillation nozzle and diatomaceous earth capturing system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US201361793973P | 2013-03-15 | 2013-03-15 | |
US14/216,694 US20140326656A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-03-17 | Diatomaceous earth filter cleaning tool with fluid oscillation nozzle and diatomaceous earth capturing system |
Publications (1)
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US20140326656A1 true US20140326656A1 (en) | 2014-11-06 |
Family
ID=51840881
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US14/216,694 Abandoned US20140326656A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-03-17 | Diatomaceous earth filter cleaning tool with fluid oscillation nozzle and diatomaceous earth capturing system |
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US20220258091A1 (en) * | 2020-09-25 | 2022-08-18 | Mark Henderson | Pool filter assembly |
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